minimum distance
Loading your saved state.
minimum distance
The smallest permitted or recommended distance that must be maintained between two objects, people, or vehicles for safety reasons.
Auf der Autobahn ist es lebenswichtig, den Mindestabstand zum vorderen Fahrzeug einzuhalten.
On the highway, it is vital to maintain the minimum distance from the vehicle in front.
The word is made up of 'Mindest-' (minimum) and 'Abstand' (distance). The prefix 'Mindest-' means 'minimum' and is also used in other words such as 'Mindestlohn' (minimum wage) or 'Mindestalter' (minimum age).
Für diesen Job gibt es ein Mindestalter von 18 Jahren.
There is a minimum age of 18 for this job.
The most important and most common verb combination is 'den Mindestabstand einhalten' (to maintain the minimum distance). The opposite, meaning to come too close, is often expressed with 'den Mindestabstand unterschreiten' (to fall below the minimum distance).
Bitte halten Sie hier einen Mindestabstand von zwei Metern ein.
Please maintain a minimum distance of two meters here.
To specify the exact distance, use the structure 'einen Mindestabstand von [number] [unit]' (a minimum distance of [number] [unit]). The object is in the accusative.
Zwischen den Tischen muss ein Mindestabstand von 1,5 Metern gewährleistet sein.
A minimum distance of 1.5 meters must be ensured between the tables.
distance
'Abstand' and 'Mindestabstand' both refer to a distance between people, vehicles, or things. 'Abstand' is neutral and general: it can be large, small, voluntary, or accidental. 'Mindestabstand' means the smallest distance that is allowed or recommended. This often has to do with safety or rules. The words can be confused because a 'Mindestabstand' is also an 'Abstand'. But when it is about a limit that you should not go below, 'Mindestabstand' is more precise.
Die Verkäuferin erklärt dem Kunden den Mindestabstand vor der Maschine.
The saleswoman explains the minimum distance in front of the machine to the customer.
Zwischen den Stühlen bleibt genug Abstand, damit alle bequem sitzen können.
There is enough space between the chairs so that everyone can sit comfortably.